Page 49 - Tropic Magazine Issue 20

TROPIC • HEALTH

Cardiac commemoration

HEART HEALTH
Pics by Romy Photography
Cairns Private Hospital is marking two decades of
crucial operations at its cardiac cath lab.
Words Renee Cluff
Over the past two decades, almost healthier and fitter following cardiac
20,000 people have been treated at intervention is very rewarding.”
Cairns Private Hospital’s cath lab. A For Dr Lim, one particular patient
special birthday celebration was held stands out. He was able to use the lab
in September to mark the milestone. to unblock an artery of a tourist who
It was opened in 1999 after a had suffered a heart attack onboard
campaign led by cardiologist Dr Chin a nearby cruise ship. “It made a big
Lim to bring more cardiac services difference,” he said. “Having access
to the local region. “It was great to to the right equipment and being
introduce the services to Cairns,” Dr treated locally when time critical
Lim said. “Previously it all had to be enabled her to continue with her
travel plans.”
During its lifespan, the lab has
undergone some significant changes, What is a cardiac
Even though it has been including a $2.1 million upgrade last cath lab?
year, which included the installation
20 years, fixing hearts of the GE Discovery IGS 730 hybrid. The full name is cardiac
never gets old! The technology provides high-quality catheterization laboratory and
imaging and robotic maneuverability, it’s a special hospital room
Dr Ling which allows procedures to be done where doctors perform minimally
faster and more safely. “This state- invasive tests and procedures to
of-the-art equipment enables us to diagnose and treat cardiovascular
done through Townsville or Brisbane.” deliver the most comprehensive, high disease. These include
Dr Joseph Ling has also worked in quality cardiac and vascular services angiograms, ablation, angioplasty
the lab since its inception. “Even to not only our local community but and the implantation of devices
though it has been 20 years, fixing the visiting population,” said Cairns like pacemakers and stents.
hearts never gets old!” Dr Ling said. Private Hospital CEO Ben Tooth.
“We make a real difference, not only The two-doctor service in 1999 has
in terms of the new technology we today grown to a team of cardiologists MORE: cairnsprivate.com.au
bring to the region but also to the and vascular surgeons who work in
lives of our patients. Seeing them the lab five days a week.

49 • tropicnow.com.au